Class Identity Flashcards
What is the significance of Tony Blair’s statement regarding the majority?
MC is now seen as the majority.
This indicates a shift in political or social dynamics.
More people are going to uni and getting degrees, have better paid jobs
What is the relationship between university attendance and job opportunities?
More people going to university getting degrees → get better paid jobs.
This highlights the role of higher education in improving economic prospects.
What does Fox (2004) criticize about the English class system?
It persists through complex intersections of social, economic, and cultural factors, shaping individual opportunities while maintaining inequalities. This emphasizes the hierarchical structure within society.
According to postmodernists like Pakulski and Waters (1996), how are identities defined?
Identities are defined by what we buy, not what we do.
This shifts the focus from traditional roles to consumer behavior.
What does Crenshaw’s concept of intersectionality highlight? (Contradicting view, Feminism)
It emphasizes that individuals experience multiple forms of oppression and privilege simultaneously.
These intersections shape their identities, not class
What does the term ‘class identity’ refer to in the context of social groups? Scott
UC is a tight group, preventing others from joining and creating social contacts.
This refers to the exclusivity and networking advantages of upper-class individuals. ‘Old boys network’
What is meant by the term ‘old boy network’?
A social network that provides advantages to those within elite groups.
This term often refers to informal connections in upper-class society.
What do Mackintosh and Moonie (2004) say about social closure?
They maintain social closure through networks, displaying wealth while obscuring existence.
This reinforces social boundaries.
What is Bourdieu’s concept of cultural capital?
Knowledge, attitudes, and skills that give an individual higher status in society.
Ensures them and their children are in the best position to succeed, gives them unfair advantages
This provides unfair advantages in educational and social contexts.
What role do mothers play in the context of educational advantages according to Reay?
They influence the educational advantages a person has.
This reflects the impact of familial background on social mobility.
Reay
33 mothers study
MC mothers had more time and energy to spend with their children reading, playing etc. WC mothers struggled when it came to working and providing for their children.
Indicates amount of socialisation coming from parents is fairly dependent on their class/ social status
Marxism—> MC mothers cultural capital have children an advantage
Social Class
People with a similar status in society.
Determined by factors such as wealth, income, family and education
